Travel Startups and Innovation News

PhocusWire's in-depth coverage of the startups in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry, featuring news, analysis, interviews, research and more.

Startups are a powerful force driving innovation across the travel industry—from AI-driven personalization and fintech solutions to next-gen mobility and booking platforms. PhocusWire delivers the most relevant travel startups and innovation news, spotlighting emerging companies that are rethinking the way people search, book, and experience travel.

Emerging travel startups and innovations driving the industry forward

Our coverage highlights breakthrough ideas, early-stage funding rounds, and strategic partnerships that bring fresh energy to the travel ecosystem. Whether it's reshaping trip planning, optimizing operations, or solving pain points across the journey, travel startups are challenging incumbents and building the future of travel with agility and purpose.

beachy $1m investment
News / Startups
Beachy raises $1M to fund new ancillary booking tools for hotels
By Steven Lerner | December 16, 2019
Beachy has secured $1 million in debt financing, which will be invested into its new food and beverage... Read More
VIDEO: Bespoke - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Bespoke - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
By PhocusWire | December 16, 2019
Bebot: The AI-powered multilingual concierge chatbot for hotels, airports, stations and cities.... Read More
VIDEO: SnapTravel - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: SnapTravel - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
By PhocusWire | December 16, 2019
A consumer brand that has driven $100 million+ in hotel sales over messaging (SMS, Messenger,... Read More
VIDEO: Apaleo - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Apaleo - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
By PhocusWire | December 13, 2019
Hotel tech built for the future. This PMS takes an API-first approach, connecting all systems... Read More
VIDEO: Nannybag - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Nannybag - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
By PhocusWire | December 13, 2019
Travelers from all around the world are now able to store their luggage in shops, restaurants and... Read More
VIDEO: Hotelmize - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Hotelmize - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
By PhocusWire | December 12, 2019
Increase hotel sales profit margins by utilizing advanced AI prediction algorithms and capital market... Read More
WhyHotel Series B Funding
News / Startups
WhyHotel nabs $20M in funding - eyes expansion, business travel market
By Steven Lerner | December 11, 2019
The pop-up hotel concept plans to use the Series B round to expand nationally and grow its presence... Read More
Travel startup investments 2019 - a year in review
News / Startups
Travel startup investments 2019 - a year in review
By Steven Lerner | December 11, 2019
Investors were pouring money into travel startups in 2019. Here's where that money went.  ... Read More
VIDEO: Flyiin - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Flyiin - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
By PhocusWire | December 11, 2019
The airline DirectConnect platform enables retailers to build a differentiating flight booking... Read More
VIDEO: Timeshifter- Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Timeshifter- Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
By PhocusWire | December 10, 2019
Jet lag is history! Explore how the latest sleep and circadian neuroscience can help travelers arrive... Read More
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